21/07/2026
A flaky scalp is not the same as a dry scalp. 🆘
Right next to every hair follicle sits a sebaceous gland and it produces sebum continuously. That is oil. Your scalp is one of the oiliest areas of the entire body, which is exactly why true dryness there is far less common than people assume.
So when you see flakes, dryness is usually not the cause. In most cases it is dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis and the two sit on the same spectrum.
Behind both is a yeast called Malassezia, which lives on everyone’s scalp. It feeds on sebum and breaks it down, releasing fatty acids. In people who are sensitive to those by-products, the scalp becomes irritated and sheds skin faster than it should. That shedding is the flaking you see. It also explains why the problem is not poor hygiene and why washing more is not the answer on its own.
Dandruff is the mild end: white or grey flakes, often with an itch. Seborrhoeic dermatitis sits further along: yellowish, greasier scale on skin that looks red or inflamed.
If you want to treat it, the NHS advises an anti-dandruff shampoo containing one of three ingredients: selenium sulphide, ketoconazole or coal tar with salicylic acid. Give it a month before you judge whether it works and be prepared to try more than one as it’s normal to relapse.
One caution: flakes are not always dandruff. Psoriasis, eczema and a reaction to a hair product can look similar and are managed differently. See your GP, Clinical Trichologist or Dermatologist if there is no improvement after a month, if your scalp is red or swollen or if you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or body as well.
This is education, not a diagnosis. If your scalp has been bothering you for a while, it deserves a proper look.
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